Archive for January 2010

Hidden Camera Sunglasses. The Ultimate Spy Gadget

Spy sunglasses? Sunglasses with a hidden camera, yea right. They would definitely have to be some novelty item you would see in the back of a comic book for $19.95, right next to the x-ray glasses. That was my response when I first heard about this product. But curiosity got the best of me (I ordered the x-ray glasses too) and I ordered a pair. Wow, was I impressed. These things should have been marketed as a hands free camcorder, it would have been a better description and would have probably attracted more of a consumer base. Never again will I be frantically trying to get the camcorder out and miss that priceless moment on a family outing at the park or beach. With the touch of a button I can record what I am seeing and don’t have to worry about getting the camera ready.

More than just a pair of polarized lenses, the hidden camera sunglasses contain not only a state of the art full color camera, capable of taking both still shots and audio/video recordings, but the built in DVR has a 4GB of flash memory and a micro SD (TF) card slot that can hold up to an additional 8GB of memory. The internal microphone records crystal clear audio from a range of up to two meters. An internal 550mAh rechargeable battery powers the whole unit with a 3.5 hour life and is charged through the USB port of your computer. Then, to make these spy sunglasses even more covert, they also contain a MP3 Player and headphones. The most appealing thing about the spy sunglasses is their simplicity. One button starts and stops the recording while the other three buttons switch the camera between still shots and video mode, snap a picture, and turn the camera on/off.

What surprises me the most is the amazing clarity of the images. The still photo resolution is 1280 x 960 while the video records in AVI format at 25FPS with a resolution of 680 x 480. The unit comes with everything you will need, an instruction manual; a USB power adapter; a USB charging cable; and case. For a price tag of well under $200.00, this unit is a must see, must have item.

Trains, Planes, and Pepper Spray

Both stun guns and pepper spray have become extremely popular self defense tools over the last few years I am often asked about the legal restrictions on travel with these items. Even though both stun guns and pepper spray are legal in most states there are a few precautions that should be taken before you travel, especially if your travel plans include a commercial airline flight.

• First of all be sure to take a few minutes to check for restrictions on either product at your destination. Even though they are legal at you departure point, they will most likely be confiscated if your destination point does have restrictions.
• Second, all commercial airlines have restrictions concerning travel with disabling devices or chemicals. Neither pepper spray nor stun guns can be carried on your person or in your carryon luggage. You can however, place both items in your checked luggage. Pepper spray canisters cannot exceed a four ounce limit.
• Third, check to be sure that your pepper spray canister has a locking device. This will insure that it will not accidentally discharge in your baggage while on the plane.
• Fourth, be sure to tell the airlines that you have a stun gun or pepper spray canister in your checked luggage and that it is in a place where it can easily be located. They are obligated to check the pepper spray canister to be sure that it has a locking device.

The most important thing that I tell my customers when traveling with either product is not to try to conceal them. With the commercial airlines use of metal detectors and X-ray machines they are sure to be detected, even those canisters disguised as lipstick or other items. If you will follow these five basic tips you should be able to travel with both items without incident.

Here are two quick links to check for the areas with pepper spray or stun gun restrictions.

Pepper Spray Regulations and Restrictions

Stun Gun Laws and Restrictions